VoIP FAQ

Got a question about VoIP?
Then see if it is answered below:

What is VoIP?
VoIP is the acronym of Voice over Internet Protocol. In simplest terms, it is the technology by which your voice is carried over the internet instead of wires as used in the plain old telephones that we have been using. Click here to read more

How does VoIP work?
VoIP works by sending the your voice in forms of packets over the internet and receiving voice packets from the person you are talking to. This system of sending and receiving data is called Packet Switching which is highly efficient and saves cost. Click here to read more

What are the advantages of VoIP?
The greatest advantage of VoIP is that it is cheap and in some cases free. But it is not the only plus point of VoIP. Click here to read about various advantages of VoIP

What are the main disadvantages of VoIP?
The main disadvantage that comes to mind is that VoIP depends upon power in your home and with your internet service provider. When there is an power outage at either point, you cannot use VoIP. Click here to read more about this vital topic

What actually is the 911 issue?
911 is the number we dial in case of emergency and in landline phones our phone is automatically connected to system. With VoIP phones this has been an issue which is being addressed by VoIP providers. Click here to read more about this very vital safety feature

Can I really make free phone calls?
Yes, you can. There are number of ways to do that. Click here to read about various ways to make totally free calls.

What are the various ways of using VoIP?
There are basically 3 ways of using VoIP.

1. Pc to Pc calls Read more
    

2. Pc to Phone calls Read more
    

3. Phone to Phone Read more
    

What equipment do I need to use VoIP?
Probably you have already got all the equipment you need to start using the basic free VoIP right now. All that is required is : 1. A  1Ghz processor computer with a sound card, 256Mb Ram and 50Mb free space. 2. Internet connection, preferably broadband. 3. Headset or a mike and a speaker - the latter may already be with your computer if it is fairly new, less than 4 years old.

Just register with a free VoIP provider such as Skype and you can start talking to somebody who is also registered with Skype and has a computer with internet connection.

Of course you would need to buy an adapter (ATA) if you would like to use your phone, instead of headphone or mike and speakers to make VoIP calls.

Can I use a computer with lower specifications for VoIP?
You probably can do with a 450Mhz processor, 128Mb Ram and 50Mb free space but the quality of service may suffer a bit. This may not be a problem if you use free VoIP to talk to friends but if you plan to use VoIP for business you would do well to go for a computer with the required specs.

Do I need a computer to use VoIP?
Yes you need to have a computer for using VoIP though you can bypass it if you are using ATA or IP Phone.

Do I need to keep my computer on while using VoIP?
Yes if you make pc to pc or pc to phone calls.

Can I surf while using VoIP?
Yes you can with a broadband connection though downloading heavy files while using VoIP may affect the quality of transmission and reception of voice.

Can I use VoIP without a computer at all?
Yes if you get an internet connection just for VoIP. This is an option which only big companies would go for. In normal circumstances we get internet connection for surfing the net so we need a computer for that, though you can bypass the computer while making VoIP calls by using ATA or IP Phone.

Do I need broadband for VoIP?
You need broadband or high speed internet service if you want to use VoIP at its fullest. Actually VoIP phones won't work at their best without a high stream of internet coming and going from them which is provided by a broadband connection.

Can I use dial-up for VoIP?
While broadband or DSL internet connection is ideal for VoIP calls, you can use a dial-up connection to make VoIP calls which may suffer from a poor quality of service.

What are special features of VoIP?
Most notable feature of VoIP is that it saves you money and lots of it at that. Moreover, as VoIP works over internet it provides many innovative features (mostly free or at a nominal cost) which no traditional phone line could give its customers. Click here for details of special VoIP Features

Is VoIP safe?
If there have been some instances of VoIP security breaches they are not as common as it is sometimes made out to be. This is borne out by the ever growing number of people using VoIP phones all over the world. So you need not fear using VoIP though it is always prudent to take some safety precautions. Click here for tips on VoIP security.

Can I send fax by VoIP?
Yes, some VoIP providers give you this facility charging you extra for the service. A fax service independent of VoIP phone is available with EFax Plus which you can try for free.